Finally, it sort of feels the V8-powered Bentley Continental GT is set to land because it’s set for debut on the next Detroit Motor Show.

So bentley too goes down the downsizing path. They aren’t going to kill off the W12 though, like what Mercedes did with the SL-Class. The V8 would be an option for those that doesn’t need all that power of their life.

Different versions of this twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 make between 552 to 620 hp within the Speed models. It’s an incredible engine and makes this heavy old hector pretty brisk. But you may be struggling to get anything better than 12/19 mpg city/highway. The 4.0 liter V8 will boost economy, but don’t expect anything incredible because Bentley won’t sacrifice power and speed for the sake of more mpg.

It’s wrong to think about the GT V8 as an eco-minded Continental. This car has greater marketing goals than environmental ones. The V8 GT may be competing with cars like Mercedes CL and Jaguar XK. It could possibly be dearer than its rivals, but people who buy luxury coupes just like the Mercs and Jags usually don’t mind spending a little more, especially when that little bit more can get them a Bentley.

via: Straightline